How do you find mentors in F&B Operations?

1 Know your objectives

Before you start looking for mentors, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to learn, improve, or achieve in your F&B operations career. This will help you narrow down your search and focus on the people who have the relevant experience, skills, or insights that you need. For example, if you want to learn how to run a successful restaurant, you might look for mentors who have owned or managed one. If you want to improve your customer service, you might look for mentors who have excelled in front-of-house roles. If you want to advance to a leadership position, you might look for mentors who have led teams or projects in F&B operations.

2 Explore your network

One of the easiest ways to find mentors is to tap into your existing network of contacts in the F&B industry. This could include your colleagues, managers, suppliers, customers, or industry associations. You can ask them for recommendations, referrals, or introductions to potential mentors who match your objectives. You can also use social media platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook to reach out to people who work in F&B operations and have a profile that interests you. You can follow them, comment on their posts, or send them a message expressing your admiration and curiosity.

3 Attend events and programs

Another way to find mentors is to attend events and programs that are related to F&B operations, such as workshops, seminars, webinars, conferences, or trade shows. These are great opportunities to learn from experts, speakers, or panelists who share their knowledge and insights on various topics in F&B operations. You can also network with other attendees who might have similar interests or goals as you. You can approach them, exchange contact details, or ask for advice. You can also look for formal mentoring programs that are offered by some organizations, associations, or institutions that cater to F&B professionals. These programs usually match you with a mentor based on your profile and preferences, and provide you with structured sessions and support.

4 Be respectful and proactive

Once you find potential mentors, you need to be respectful and proactive in building and maintaining a relationship with them. You need to respect their time, expertise, and boundaries, and not expect them to solve all your problems or give you all the answers. You need to be proactive in initiating contact, setting up meetings, preparing questions, following up, and showing gratitude. You also need to be open to feedback, suggestions, and challenges that your mentors might give you, and act on them accordingly. You need to demonstrate your commitment, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn from your mentors.

5 Seek diversity and variety

Finally, you need to seek diversity and variety in your mentors, as each one can offer you a different perspective, experience, or skill that can enrich your F&B operations career. You can have more than one mentor at a time, as long as you can manage your expectations and responsibilities. You can also have mentors from different backgrounds, sectors, roles, or levels in the F&B industry, as they can expose you to different opportunities, trends, or challenges. You can also have mentors from outside the F&B industry, as they can provide you with fresh ideas, insights, or connections that can benefit your F&B operations career.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?